Partnership to build strong foundations for Malaysian SMEs

Microsoft Malaysia server platform will benefit more than 550,000 local SMEs

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 MAY 2009 A partnership around software giant Microsoft Malaysia's latest server platform is expected to benefit more than 550,000 local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Windows Server 2008 Foundation will help local SMEs stay competitive and ignite growth in the current economic environment, said Microsoft Malaysia product marketing manager for infrastructure platform, Ramesh Rajandran. SMEs are the bedrock of the Malaysian economy and account for 99.2 per cent of total business establishments and contribute 32 per cent to the country's gross domestic product.

In recognition of their importance in sustaining the local economy, the Malaysian government recently announced a second stimulus package that included US$3.61 billion (RM12.5 billion) to help SMEs weather the tough economic conditions, said Rajandran. As such, the time is right for these businesses to adopt the latest technology tools available to enhance their efficiencies and competitiveness.

Rajandran said Windows Server 2008 Foundation was built for small businesses with 15 or fewer users. The solution puts the reliability, security and manageability of enterprise versions of the Windows Server platform within the reach of all SMEs at an affordable price.

Partners instrumental

Rajandran said: Microsoft is partnering with OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] to provide customers with a simplified and convenient buying experience. Windows Server 2008 Foundation will be sold preinstalled on servers from manufacturers, including Dell, HP and IBM. Each OEM will set its own prices, which may vary by country. The first such machines will be available for purchase in the coming months.

Dell and Windows Server 2008 Foundation help simplify IT for small businesses, by providing an affordable, easy-to-deploy solution to run business applications as well as by enabling easy sharing of information and resources, said Dell South Asia general manager for SMB (small and medium business), Khoo Teng Guan. In fact, we can help customers get up and running very quickly with pre-installation of Windows Server 2008 Foundation on select Dell PowerEdge servers that are designed for small business. It is a genuine, dependable, and affordable technology foundation that small business owners will appreciate.

SMEs need to continuously grow and innovate to be competitive in today's business environment, said HP Malaysia country business manager, industry standard servers, technology solutions group, Vincent Lee. By making Microsoft Foundation Server available on HP ProLiant servers, we help these companies prepare their IT infrastructures better for new areas of growth, even in a challenging economic climate.

Filling a crucial hole

Microsoft is filling a crucial hole at the low end of its Windows Server portfolio by delivering a simple, low-cost solution geared for small businesses and first-time server users, said analyst firm IDC program vice president, Al Gillen. Windows Server 2008 Foundation really rounds out Microsoft's server platform and provides a solution for a key market segment.